25 Extraordinary Uses for Old Newspapers

Wrap It, Patch It, Make It, and Much More

By Kassidy Emmerson, published Feb 02, 2006
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Do you have a subscription to your local newspaper? Many people do. In fact, people like you and me buy nearly fifty-five million newspapers every year. After we read the day's news, cut out a coupon or two, and solve the daily crossword puzzle, they become "old newspapers". So, then what can we do with them? Myself, I reuse, as well as, recycle them. Other than informing and entertaining us, a newspaper actually has many other worthwhile uses.

Here's my list of twenty-five unique ways that you can use old newspapers:

Around the House:
1. Temporarily block the sun from streaming in windows.
2. Spread sheets of newspapers out and make clothing patterns
3. Dampen and spread over window glass to protect it when you paint.
4. Line and protect closet shelves and drawer bottoms
5. Place folded newspapers on the floor as a mat for wet shoes or muddy boots.
6. Make fire logs out of old newspapers. Roll sheets of newspapers up tightly in the shape of a log. Tie them tight with string and use them in your fireplace or on a camp fire.
7. Do you still have some old 45 or other type of vinyl records? Store them safely by placing old newspapers in between each one.
8. Ball up half sheets and let Kitty play with them. Cats love the crinkling noise.
9. Place balls of old newspapers inside leather shoes, purses, and in suitcases. They
help leather items keep their shape. They also help deodorize them.

In the Garage...
10. Use old newspapers to polish windows to a streak-free shine. Also great for polishing chrome.
11. Your auto have a fluid leak? Place sheets underneath your car when it's parked in the garage to protect the floor.
12. If your auto's parked outside in the winter weather, lay old newspapers on the windshield so you don't have to clean off ice and snow in the morning.

Takeaways
  • People buy nearly fifty-five million newspapers every year.
  • Keep a stack of newspapers in the garage for when you need them.
  • Old newspapers make great craft material for the kids!
Did You Know?
An estimated 70 percent of newspapers are recycled in the United States.
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